A comparison between lead-210 determination in sediments by gamma and alpha spectrometry insediments

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Aniel Guillén Arruebarrena
Héctor Alejandro Cartas Águila
Jorge Alberto Martín Pérez
Aida Mary Abreu Díaz
Carlos Manuel Alonso Hernández

Abstract

Polonium-210 (Po-210) is analyzed for a variety of purposes, including for radiological impact assessment, as a tracer of environmental processes, and as an indirect measure of its progenitor lead-210 (Pb-210). A method for determining Po-210 by alpha spectrometry in sediments has been set. Chemical preparation was performed by acid digestion in open systems. Mixtures of HCl, HF, HNO3 and HClO4 in different proportions were employed at 80 °C in order to avoid losses due to volatilization. Results were compared with those for Pb-210 using high resolution gamma spectrometry. Sediment core samples were analyzed.  A linear regression was performed showing a strong relationship among Pb-210 and Po-210 activities, proving that the method used for Po-210 determination is also suitable for Pb-210 in sediments. Mass accumulation rate (MAR) and sediment accumulation rate (SAR) were estimated using the constant flux: constant sedimentation (CF:CS) model, showing changes on them both along the sediment core studied.

Article Details

How to Cite
Guillén Arruebarrena, A., Cartas Águila, H. A., Martín Pérez, J. A., Abreu Díaz, A. M., & Alonso Hernández, C. M. (2025). A comparison between lead-210 determination in sediments by gamma and alpha spectrometry insediments. Nucleus, (75), 19-21. Retrieved from http://nucleus.cubaenergia.cu/index.php/nucleus/article/view/803
Section
Ciencias Nucleares

References

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